Finding a Language at GWL . . .

It was International Women’s Day 2013 when I walked (nervously, I’ll admit) into Glasgow Women’s Library for the first time. I had come to listen to Scottish poet Jackie Kay reading some of her excellent work about the lives of asylum seeker women in Glasgow.

That day, I realised that I had something to offer – and something to gain – by volunteering with GWL.

Two years have passed since I joined the GWL staff team, and I am now Project Assistant to the In Her Shoes and National Lifelong Learning projects. I spend my days here supporting women to challenge prejudice, and to take joy and energy from learning about the history and achievements of the women who went before.

My favourite item in the GWL collection is our copy of Carol J. Adams’ The Sexual Politics of Meat – a vegetarian-feminist discussion about misogyny, meat and masculinity, the feminisation of animals and the animalisation of women. It explains with passion, anger and breathtaking clarity how the oppressions of non-human animals and of women are intrinsically linked, and why the rejection of animal abuse is a feminist act.

For me, finding this book was a relief and a revelation – I finally felt I had a language to explain why my feminism and my veganism were so bound together.

Like GWL, The Sexual Politics of Meat recently celebrated its 25th anniversary – and, like GWL, it has changed my life.

GWL Blog Disclaimer

GWL is a multi-voiced haven for the diversity of lived experience that makes up women’s history. Our blog is written by many different voices and, although everything we share is in line with our values, some of the views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the wider views of GWL. We’re proud to share the words of our staff, volunteers and placement students and we hope you enjoy reading their thoughts.